Netanyahu Enlists Aryeh Deri to Bring Moshe Gafni Back to Right-Wing Bloc Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought the help of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri to bring Degel HaTorah leader Moshe Gafni back into the right-wing political bloc, according to a report on August 27, 2026. Netanyahu and Gafni have not spoken recently, and Gafni recently stated he has no preferred candidate for prime minister, emphasizing that his sole consideration for joining a government after the elections would be protecting the interests of yeshiva students.

Yesterday, Netanyahu met with Deri for two hours to discuss the bloc's preparations for the upcoming elections. Netanyahu stressed that victory is only possible if votes within the bloc are not wasted. They also discussed expected post-election negotiations with various parties. Following the meeting, Deri told Channel 14 that he does not believe Gafni will join Gadi Eizenkot's list.

Members of Shas reiterated their support for Netanyahu, citing the right-wing nature of the Haredi public. However, Deri is reportedly very concerned about recent polls predicting a significant loss for Shas, which currently holds 11 Knesset seats but is forecasted to drop to seven or eight. This would risk Shas becoming the smaller Haredi party, potentially losing ground to Degel HaTorah, which polls show maintaining seven or eight seats.

Shas has identified that many of its traditional voters are shifting to right-wing parties like Otzma Yehudit and Likud. In response, Deri has ordered in-depth research to understand how to regain these votes and is working to rebrand Shas as a moderate party, distancing it from the extreme positions of its rabbis in recent years. The party has also launched a campaign featuring members and their families in IDF uniforms, expressing support for the military alongside Torah study, aiming to attract Haredi voters who serve or have served in the army.

In response to the reports, Shas stated, "We will still surprise in the elections; the polls do not impress us." Meanwhile, Netanyahu acknowledged losing about 10 Knesset seats and expressed uncertainty about how to regain them. Separately, opposition figures Stav Shaffir and Mansour Abbas are reportedly preparing to announce an alliance this week.